The world’s 7 most dog-friendly cities

While many places can be considered dog-friendly, these seven cities take this to a whole new level. Dog-friendly museums, off-leash beaches, and dedicated doggie menus are just some of the surprises that await you and your canine companion.

Tel Aviv, Israel

With one dog for every 17 people, Tel Aviv has the highest number of dogs per capita in the world and is super dog-friendly. It’s home to four dog-friendly beaches and 70 dog parks – that’s one park per square kilometre. Last year, Tel Aviv hosted their first-ever dog festival, aptly named Kelaviv (kelev is Hebrew for dog). Due to its success, it’s likely that this will become an annual event, so plan your trip accordingly.

Nekhemya 11 is just 600 metres from Meir Park, Tel Aviv’s premier dog park featuring a walled off area with fountains and ramps for dogs to play with.

Carmel, California, USA

One of the best parts of visiting California is spending time in the state’s beautiful parks, trails, and beaches. Visitors to Carmel are welcome bring their canine companions along with them – they even have biodegradable waste bags available at all park, trail, or beach entrances.

There are a number of accommodations in Carmel that treat your dog like the VIP they are, offering doggie turn down, yappy hour, doggie room service menus, and outdoor showers. One of the most popular is the Cypress Inn, co-owned by lifelong animal lover Doris Day.

Keswick, UK

If you and your pup want to escape the city, the Lake District around Keswick is a great option. With endless places to swim and space to explore, it truly is doggy paradise. If you’re feeling adventurous you could even hike the Skiddaw, England’s fourth largest mountain. When you’re both sufficiently tired from a long day in nature, there a number of pubs in the area where you can rest your feet – many of which keep a supply of dog treats behind the bar for four-legged patrons.

With stunning views of the surrounding hills and a short walk to the town centre, Keswick Lodge is a perfect base to explore the Lake District.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dogs are allowed on all forms of transit in Amsterdam, though they do require a ticket to take the train. And just because you bring your dog doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the classic Amsterdam cycling experience – dogs are regularly carted around the city in bike baskets or even specially-designed ‘bakfiets’

Located on one of the city’s most iconic canals, the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht offers a V.I.D. (Very Important Dog) programme. During their stay, all four-legged guests are given a designer dog bed, two designer dog bowls, a jar filled with treats, and a bottle of mineral water.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is known as a dog-friendly city year-round, but it really lives up to the name during the warmer months. Many of the city’s patios are open to dogs and there are countless cafés and restaurants that open their doors to four-legged patrons. There are more than 60 off-leash dog parks across the city for your dog to burn off some energy, including one at Cherry Beach – perfect to cool down during those hot summer days.

In the heart of the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood is the Hazelton Hotel. Every canine guest has access to a plush dog pet, dog bowls, treats, and waste disposal bags. They even have a ‘pet-culars’ brochure where guests can find information on local pet service providers and a map outlining the best dog-walking routes.

Barcelona, Spain

One of Barcelona’s top attractions is the Park Guell. The perfect mix of green space and architecture, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring. Fortunately, dogs are welcomed in Park Guell as well as a number of other parks across the city. Some of them even have dog-specific fenced area with benches and water fountains to cool off in. If the fountain isn’t cutting it, your dog will be happy to know that Barcelona has just opened a year-round dog-friendly beach, too.

Around the corner from Joan Miró Park, a local park with a large off-leash area, is Hotel Villa Emilia. If your dog would like their own bed during the stay, don’t forget to request it in advance.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow’s Galicia Jewish Museum and Polish Aviation Museum as well as the Kino pod Baranami movie theatre allow canine visitors. And a number of restaurants not only welcome dogs, but cater for them as well.

After your long day of seeing the sights of the city, you’ll want a comfortable place to rest. Try the Sheraton Krakow. They offer all of their canine guests a specially-designed Sheraton Signature Dog Bed as well as water and food bowls.